L.A. restaurant faces backlash for praising Tesla diner

A popular French restaurant in Los Angeles is facing backlash after its co-owner praised a new restaurant concept developed by Elon Musk's Tesla. Walter Manzke, one of the owners of République, spoke positively about the idea during a recent interview with The New York Times. In the interview, Manzke mentioned the upcoming Tesla-owned diner that will include charging stations for electric vehicles. His comments quickly drew criticism on social media, especially on Reddit. Critics expressed their dissatisfaction, claiming his words may alienate customers. Many users on Reddit called for a boycott of République. Some commenters stated they would choose to dine elsewhere because of Manzke's remarks. One person even referred to his praise of Tesla as "business suicide." In response to the negative feedback, République's management issued a statement on Instagram. They clarified that Manzke's comments were not intended as a political statement. The restaurant emphasized its commitment to innovation and sustainability, and stated it respects diverse viewpoints. Despite the clarification, the backlash highlighted the intense emotions surrounding Elon Musk and his ventures, particularly in the current political climate.